Another adaptation of the book, but is mostly a painful extension of the Rankin and Bass cartoon. This becomes no more apparent than when they decide to just throw in the Heat/Snow Miser songs. In the same sad way that Ron Howard's Grinch used the song from the 60's version. It's a highlight, but it just reminds us how unimaginative and tacky the remake is. We have a needless antagonist that wants to replace Santa with Extreme Santa, and Jangle is obsessed with urban culture and television. Towards the end it picks up, when I forgot the main plot of the film, and it focused on the son and his politician father. Goodman is fine as a cranky Santa, but he's just playing himself. McKean and Fierstein have some fun as the Miser brothers, even though I don't think Fierstein's voice suits the singing sections. The cartoon has more heart, more soul, and doesn't go for forced "humour"
50 Reviews
Year Without a Halfway-Decent New Xmas Special
gryffindor24912 December 2006
You really have to wonder what NBC and the creators of this film were thinking adapting the beloved animated special into this live-action film.
Were they hoping to expand the story (adapted from Phyllis McGinley's novel)? Then why is it that the original version accomplished more storytelling in a one-hour special than this movie does in two? This adaptation with a strange credit of teleplay and "television story" by Larry Wilson and Tom Martin goes off on so many tangents and in so many directions it only makes passing reference to the plot of the original novel and Rankin-Bass special it makes one wonder why they bothered to pay royalties to the original creators at all.
Perhaps it was so they could include the famous "I'm Mr. Heat/ Snow Miser" song, but this rare moment of energy in this movie is rather jarring considering that this is not otherwise a musical and the rest of the score is missing.
The cast is excellent across-the-board, though the lovely Delta Burke is way too young for the thankless role of Mrs. Claus, the prime mover of the plot in the original but reduced to looking concerned and expounding exposition here. You know you are in trouble when a film includes John Goodman, Eddie Griffin, Harvey Firestein and Michael McKean (and a scene-stealing Carol Kane) and is still dull.
An almost-complete waste of time and a scouring of a terrific story. Now go and watch the Rankin/ Bass original!
Were they hoping to expand the story (adapted from Phyllis McGinley's novel)? Then why is it that the original version accomplished more storytelling in a one-hour special than this movie does in two? This adaptation with a strange credit of teleplay and "television story" by Larry Wilson and Tom Martin goes off on so many tangents and in so many directions it only makes passing reference to the plot of the original novel and Rankin-Bass special it makes one wonder why they bothered to pay royalties to the original creators at all.
Perhaps it was so they could include the famous "I'm Mr. Heat/ Snow Miser" song, but this rare moment of energy in this movie is rather jarring considering that this is not otherwise a musical and the rest of the score is missing.
The cast is excellent across-the-board, though the lovely Delta Burke is way too young for the thankless role of Mrs. Claus, the prime mover of the plot in the original but reduced to looking concerned and expounding exposition here. You know you are in trouble when a film includes John Goodman, Eddie Griffin, Harvey Firestein and Michael McKean (and a scene-stealing Carol Kane) and is still dull.
An almost-complete waste of time and a scouring of a terrific story. Now go and watch the Rankin/ Bass original!
A Year without a pointless Remake, please
Lobo30512 December 2006
When you watch the original claymation films it's always amazing how much visual impact and story they pack into a relatively short amount of time. This remake had nearly the opposite effect and had the viewer begging to reach the conclusion and put this nightmare behind them. Something tells me this will not be a 'classic' for the entire family to gather around and watch together - year after year.
Delta Burke is a beautiful woman with a gentle spirit and wonderful acting style so it's disappointing to see her grouped with the Zany antics of Carole King and the wanna be sympathetic John Goodman. It may just be me but Mrs. Claus' shy nature and quiet voice almost represented Delta being apologetic for her role in this movie.
The film retells the story of Santa's growing frustration with the commercialization of Christmas and the apparent apathy from children all over the world. Santa decides he's had enough and plans to skip Christmas altogether. Two elves and one reindeer leave the North Pole in search of one child who can sway Santa's heart and reverse his decision. Yada yada yada - eventually all the characters and pieces come together and bring the spirit of Christmas back to life.
This version lacks the charm and timeless wit from the original. The live actors appear to intentionally overact as their feeble attempt to capture the claymation's over-animation. The story has been 'updated' to incorporate a techno-saavy Claus and ELF incorporation - hahaha - wow, that's really clever (pause) NOT. The producers of this film would be smart to bundle the ensuing DVD with the original and offer some kind of bonus features in order to push the 2-pack. I can't imagine too many children or adults wanting to add this to their DVD collection. Next time, remake the little drummer boy - nobody liked that one too much anyway.
In ranking this film we should always start off with a 5 - neutral - then give it 2 pts for costume and effects for a 7, remove 1 point for being a remake for 6 pts and 2 more for remaking a classic, 4 pts, finally lose a point for being absolutely horrible for a 3 out of 10. Why the 3 pts you ask? Because this is so bad that any casual fan of the original claymation/puppet version must watch this for themselves in order to fully appreciate how truly bad this really is. I suppose a live action 'Great Pumpkin' is just around the corner, sad :(
Delta Burke is a beautiful woman with a gentle spirit and wonderful acting style so it's disappointing to see her grouped with the Zany antics of Carole King and the wanna be sympathetic John Goodman. It may just be me but Mrs. Claus' shy nature and quiet voice almost represented Delta being apologetic for her role in this movie.
The film retells the story of Santa's growing frustration with the commercialization of Christmas and the apparent apathy from children all over the world. Santa decides he's had enough and plans to skip Christmas altogether. Two elves and one reindeer leave the North Pole in search of one child who can sway Santa's heart and reverse his decision. Yada yada yada - eventually all the characters and pieces come together and bring the spirit of Christmas back to life.
This version lacks the charm and timeless wit from the original. The live actors appear to intentionally overact as their feeble attempt to capture the claymation's over-animation. The story has been 'updated' to incorporate a techno-saavy Claus and ELF incorporation - hahaha - wow, that's really clever (pause) NOT. The producers of this film would be smart to bundle the ensuing DVD with the original and offer some kind of bonus features in order to push the 2-pack. I can't imagine too many children or adults wanting to add this to their DVD collection. Next time, remake the little drummer boy - nobody liked that one too much anyway.
In ranking this film we should always start off with a 5 - neutral - then give it 2 pts for costume and effects for a 7, remove 1 point for being a remake for 6 pts and 2 more for remaking a classic, 4 pts, finally lose a point for being absolutely horrible for a 3 out of 10. Why the 3 pts you ask? Because this is so bad that any casual fan of the original claymation/puppet version must watch this for themselves in order to fully appreciate how truly bad this really is. I suppose a live action 'Great Pumpkin' is just around the corner, sad :(
What the heck were they thinking?
dilone11 December 2006
Acting=bland, storyline=contrived, pacing=dirge-like, charm=none. A live action "Year Without a Santa Claus" seems like a great idea, unless the people involved turn it into a remake of the Salkind's "Santa Claus: The Movie" instead. And that's what happened.
Not everything about this movie is worthless. The first Heat Miser/Snow Miser scene was well done, but then again it's the only thing left over from the original. At least the powers that be recognized the appeal of that number.
Everyone else was just sleepwalking through their parts, which is a shame. I was excited to see John Goodman as Santa, but he wasn't weary enough in the scenes where Santa is weary, and certainly wasn't jolly enough when Saint Nick needed to be his old self. And Delta Burke? Did she really have a part in this? Mrs. Claus was an important part of the original...here she just seemed like an observer.
I was looking forward to this...I'm no purist. I'm open for all kinds of remakes. But this just didn't cut it.
Watch the original instead. It's a classic, despite its age.
Not everything about this movie is worthless. The first Heat Miser/Snow Miser scene was well done, but then again it's the only thing left over from the original. At least the powers that be recognized the appeal of that number.
Everyone else was just sleepwalking through their parts, which is a shame. I was excited to see John Goodman as Santa, but he wasn't weary enough in the scenes where Santa is weary, and certainly wasn't jolly enough when Saint Nick needed to be his old self. And Delta Burke? Did she really have a part in this? Mrs. Claus was an important part of the original...here she just seemed like an observer.
I was looking forward to this...I'm no purist. I'm open for all kinds of remakes. But this just didn't cut it.
Watch the original instead. It's a classic, despite its age.
Boo...Humbug!
erslade13 December 2006
It's too bad that this couldn't have been a year without "The Year Without a Santa Claus" remake.
I'll have a blue Christmas (since I've seen you.) This belongs on the Island of Misfit Remakes. Where's the Burgermeister when you need something burned? Rankin/Bass are probably spinning like the original Snow Miser after this. I let my six-year-old stay up for this...how do I justify letting him stay up past his bedtime for a waste of two hours of his young life. Whoever was approached with this idea should have told the instigator to put one foot in front of the other and walk right out the door.
I'll have a blue Christmas (since I've seen you.) This belongs on the Island of Misfit Remakes. Where's the Burgermeister when you need something burned? Rankin/Bass are probably spinning like the original Snow Miser after this. I let my six-year-old stay up for this...how do I justify letting him stay up past his bedtime for a waste of two hours of his young life. Whoever was approached with this idea should have told the instigator to put one foot in front of the other and walk right out the door.
One of the worst efforts ever
infoed12 December 2006
A truly depressing piece of dreck, this live action version of the Christmas classic fails on so many levels it's almost funny. (And those are the only laughs you'll get out of this.) It's a shame the movie studios all closed down their TV movie units in the 80s because TV movies need all the help they can get.
All those modern, "hip" touches are rife with jokes that soar over the kid's heads, but sadly not the adults. The humor is, befitting the times, crude and boorish and the story is lame. Bad acting, contrived sentimental situations and flat photography all contribute to a bad time had by all. The heads at NBC must have been high on cough syrup to even think this looked like it would be any good.
Shove this one in the vault and never let it see the light of day again.
All those modern, "hip" touches are rife with jokes that soar over the kid's heads, but sadly not the adults. The humor is, befitting the times, crude and boorish and the story is lame. Bad acting, contrived sentimental situations and flat photography all contribute to a bad time had by all. The heads at NBC must have been high on cough syrup to even think this looked like it would be any good.
Shove this one in the vault and never let it see the light of day again.
The worst Christmas special I have ever seen
Mariav-412 December 2006
This "remake" of the beloved Year without a Santa Clause was the most awful movie I have seen in years. First of all - it was not a kids special. There were scantily clad women and many parts I would find inappropriate for young kids. No wonder it was on at 9 pm. Not that I am opposed to adult oriented movies, I am a horror fan and rarely watch anything that is not rated R, but, as far as Christmas specials go... they are usually geared towards little children. The acting was horrible. Eddie Griffin and the guy from Mallrats as the elves was ridiculous. I could not even get through the whole thing it was so bad. If I could have given it a 0 I would have. The original was great - that I highly recommend.
Couldn't even finish it!
drchrism12 December 2006
When a "Christmas movie" contains the line "Santa, you suck" and M-rated video game carnage in the first half-hour, you know it's time to check out.
Cheap, tacky sets and costumes, atrocious "in-jokes" about other Xmas specials, and no observable comedy anywhere in sight. When you add in the really inappropriate language and visuals, as well as a complete lack of fun, well even my 4-year-old lost interest very quickly.
Besides, Chris Kattan's disgusting pinkeye infection was making it hard to pay attention to anything else but how inflamed his eye was! Seriously, in HD, you could almost feel the burn yourself!
Cheap, tacky sets and costumes, atrocious "in-jokes" about other Xmas specials, and no observable comedy anywhere in sight. When you add in the really inappropriate language and visuals, as well as a complete lack of fun, well even my 4-year-old lost interest very quickly.
Besides, Chris Kattan's disgusting pinkeye infection was making it hard to pay attention to anything else but how inflamed his eye was! Seriously, in HD, you could almost feel the burn yourself!
Low budget with several well known actors.
red_arky13 October 2022
It's definitely low budget and a little slow paced at times but I will watch anything with Delta Burke and am a bit surprised by all the negative reviews. The actors playing Mother Nature,Santa,a couple of elves,Heat Miser and Hercules are well known names that the baby boomers and some gen x (my generation) will appreciate not to mention the nostalgic nod to A Year Without a Santa Claus's Heat Miser and Snow Miser and Christmas Story. I think young children would probably like it too. I've seen much more boring Christmas movies and much better ones. The underlying message of simpler times will resonate with the older audience but I wouldn't let negative reviews dictate whether I watched it or not. I give it a solid 7 because of the actors,funny moments,neat elements,pretty scenery and nods to nostalgia but it did have some slow moments and is a little cheesy at times. I might not watch this every year but will definitely keep it in my collection.
Worst movie (or what part I actually watched) I've seen in years
ladyauctioneer20 April 2007
I was actually fortunate enough to watch part of the filming of this movie in Natchitoches, LA and never would have believed how bad it was when it hit the screen. I was sorely disappointed for many reasons including the fact that they filmed this during the hottest time of the year expecting the extra's to wear winter coats, sweaters & other items so hot that many were suffering from heat exhaustion...even Santa. The extra's were not even paid extra's. They wanted 1,000 and I think were lucky to get 100 if that but I know not near as many showed up in the 90-100 degree weather sporting their winter attire.
I had TIVO'd the movie for my grand children to watch around the holidays and ended up deleting it before I even watched it all the way through.
The grand kids weren't disappointed at Christmas because I had recorded many of the "good" Christmas specials for them and didn't make them suffer through this one.
I had TIVO'd the movie for my grand children to watch around the holidays and ended up deleting it before I even watched it all the way through.
The grand kids weren't disappointed at Christmas because I had recorded many of the "good" Christmas specials for them and didn't make them suffer through this one.
Disappointing
randmlyperfctgrl23 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I looked forward to seeing the original TYWASC every year since the first time I saw it. When I found the newer version, I thought it would be kind of fun to watch. I was disappointed that they changed the original so much. The only good part of the new movie would be the heat miser/snow miser parts. I thought the heat miser/snow miser song was a little better in this one because there was more going on. I was disappointed with the fact that the movie was about a corporation and not based on the original more. But luckily the actors cast for heat miser and snow miser made up for most of the points. My advice is that if you're going to remake a holiday classic that was as great as TYWASC, you might want to consider basing it off the original!
tepid Baby Boomer nag-fest using jokes that were edgy 15 years ago
CineMage28 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I have always loved the Rankins/Bass *Year without a Santa Claus*. The scenes with Heat Miser and Cold Miser were hilarious, and Shirley Booth did a wonderful job as the voice of Mrs. Claus. So I was excited when I saw the Heat Miser/Cold Miser clip that NBC placed on youtube.
It turns out that NBC placed the only decent moments of this demeaning remake on youtube. Almost everything else disappointed when it didn't outright offend. I was tricked.
Many of the jokes seemed to be focused on telling the current generation how much better the previous generation was -- and even then, the jokes were outdated. With the complaints about life of the past twenty years and the rosy-glasses nostalgia, the focus of this version seems to be one long Baby Boomer whine.
The people behind this version are so clueless they seem to consider "goth" jokes to be cutting edge fifteen or so years too late! The jokes about "Extreme Santa" might have been clever a decade ago, but now they only show the viewer how out-of-touch these people are if they still think such jokes are clever now. The "hep African-American elf" jokes may have been funny fifteen years ago but are an embarrassment to modern racial relations. The demeaned role of women in this version is nauseating.
In the Rankins/Bass tale, Mrs. Claus is an active, intelligent woman determined both to help out the world in general and to bring her stubborn husband to his senses. In this remake, she is nothing more than a passive and obedient wife with an attractive figure. Who could have imagined wasting Delta Burke's talent playing a woman who does nothing except coo in worry? They completely disempower the character of Mrs. Claus: it isn't even her idea for the elves to go down to earth in this version! The disempowering extends to Mother Nature. In the Rankin/Bass special, Mother Nature is an awe-inspiring figure of dread, and Mrs. Claus is courteously cautious about speaking with her. In this tepid remake, Santa Claus is able to summon an obedient Mother Nature with three claps as though she were one of his harem dancing girls! The tale ends with a father guilt-tripped into destroying the hopes of hundreds if not thousands of jobs in a small town for the sake of sticking to old town values. Merry Christmas to his son who now gets a dad who will build snowmen with him, and Merry Christmas to all those workers who discover the day before Christmas they will be unemployed!
It turns out that NBC placed the only decent moments of this demeaning remake on youtube. Almost everything else disappointed when it didn't outright offend. I was tricked.
Many of the jokes seemed to be focused on telling the current generation how much better the previous generation was -- and even then, the jokes were outdated. With the complaints about life of the past twenty years and the rosy-glasses nostalgia, the focus of this version seems to be one long Baby Boomer whine.
The people behind this version are so clueless they seem to consider "goth" jokes to be cutting edge fifteen or so years too late! The jokes about "Extreme Santa" might have been clever a decade ago, but now they only show the viewer how out-of-touch these people are if they still think such jokes are clever now. The "hep African-American elf" jokes may have been funny fifteen years ago but are an embarrassment to modern racial relations. The demeaned role of women in this version is nauseating.
In the Rankins/Bass tale, Mrs. Claus is an active, intelligent woman determined both to help out the world in general and to bring her stubborn husband to his senses. In this remake, she is nothing more than a passive and obedient wife with an attractive figure. Who could have imagined wasting Delta Burke's talent playing a woman who does nothing except coo in worry? They completely disempower the character of Mrs. Claus: it isn't even her idea for the elves to go down to earth in this version! The disempowering extends to Mother Nature. In the Rankin/Bass special, Mother Nature is an awe-inspiring figure of dread, and Mrs. Claus is courteously cautious about speaking with her. In this tepid remake, Santa Claus is able to summon an obedient Mother Nature with three claps as though she were one of his harem dancing girls! The tale ends with a father guilt-tripped into destroying the hopes of hundreds if not thousands of jobs in a small town for the sake of sticking to old town values. Merry Christmas to his son who now gets a dad who will build snowmen with him, and Merry Christmas to all those workers who discover the day before Christmas they will be unemployed!
Potentially great, falls flat on a low budget...
eron-6600622 December 2018
This is definitely a guilty pleasure movie of mine during the holidays. Yes, it's bad... but it's glorious. Such potential here with a great cast and decent acting. I am amazed they were able to get the talent they did, but the performances were surrounded by a low budget production that distracts from everything done right. The song and dance works because it's so over the top. The new and updated story from the original doesn't bother me (too much) but it would have been nice to see more of Mrs. Clause. If you like cheesy Christmas movies and just want to chill out for an hour and a half this is perfect. If you don't like silly movies or can't put up with low budget films then it's probably not for you.
Should have been "The Year With out this Remake"
miles9999913 December 2006
This was an absolutely awful remake of a holiday classic. There was a movie some years ago called Scrooged (with Bill Murray). In that movie that are producing a version of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol". The version that they create is absolutely over the top and insane. I think that this remake of "A Year Without a Santa Claus" is that to a "T".
This production was so over the top it completely wrecked the movie. The casting was atrocious...John Goodman as Santa wasn't that bad, but Harvey Fierstein as the Heat Miser and Michael McKean as the Snow Miser...come on are you kidding! Fierstein killed the most memorable song from the original movie. What about the Miser Brother's assistants, any reason they were cast as hot female models (not that I don't appreciate eye-candy)? As for the storyline....why did they create this "new" story? Yeah, it follows the basic idea as the original, but the story was basically completely different.
Please avoid this movie at all costs if you are a fan of the original. This one is too over the top, too long, and too crappy.
This production was so over the top it completely wrecked the movie. The casting was atrocious...John Goodman as Santa wasn't that bad, but Harvey Fierstein as the Heat Miser and Michael McKean as the Snow Miser...come on are you kidding! Fierstein killed the most memorable song from the original movie. What about the Miser Brother's assistants, any reason they were cast as hot female models (not that I don't appreciate eye-candy)? As for the storyline....why did they create this "new" story? Yeah, it follows the basic idea as the original, but the story was basically completely different.
Please avoid this movie at all costs if you are a fan of the original. This one is too over the top, too long, and too crappy.
Bury This as deep as you can dig
BigBish196613 December 2006
An abomination so heinous, so repulsive, so reprehensible that the excess amount of bile that my body doesn't process because of my missing gall bladder creeps up my esophagus thinking about it.
I speak of the atrocity that was recently aired on CBS - The Year Without A Santa Clause. Not the beloved Rankin/Bass production, but a live action piece of televised diarrhea. John Goodman as santa, Delta Burke as Mrs Claus? Harvey Fierstien as Heat Miser?!!!! Dear god in heaven what have they done?...... What have they done? ( I was saving that for when the US was nuked ah la Jericho, but this is worse... far worse).
I'll admit that curiosity made me tune in. I'm human. But Randy from My Name is Earl as Jangle? A black Jingle? Dancing girls in the Heat Miser/Cold Miser numbers? When did a bump and grind ( over and above the Victorias Secet Fashion Show) become a part of Christmas tradition? The claymation Misers didn't need it. No they didn't. They were pure entertainment. I'd rather the controversy of devil/angel that kept it off TV for so many years to a musical number from Solid Gold.
Someone needs to bury this, and bury it deep. Its a national disgrace. You want insurgents to surrender- tape their eyes open and force then to watch this over & over. It will make them beg to be degregaded at abul grad.
The tragedy of this is that it was 2 hours. I only watched 20 minutes before I was diving for the puke bucket.
I speak of the atrocity that was recently aired on CBS - The Year Without A Santa Clause. Not the beloved Rankin/Bass production, but a live action piece of televised diarrhea. John Goodman as santa, Delta Burke as Mrs Claus? Harvey Fierstien as Heat Miser?!!!! Dear god in heaven what have they done?...... What have they done? ( I was saving that for when the US was nuked ah la Jericho, but this is worse... far worse).
I'll admit that curiosity made me tune in. I'm human. But Randy from My Name is Earl as Jangle? A black Jingle? Dancing girls in the Heat Miser/Cold Miser numbers? When did a bump and grind ( over and above the Victorias Secet Fashion Show) become a part of Christmas tradition? The claymation Misers didn't need it. No they didn't. They were pure entertainment. I'd rather the controversy of devil/angel that kept it off TV for so many years to a musical number from Solid Gold.
Someone needs to bury this, and bury it deep. Its a national disgrace. You want insurgents to surrender- tape their eyes open and force then to watch this over & over. It will make them beg to be degregaded at abul grad.
The tragedy of this is that it was 2 hours. I only watched 20 minutes before I was diving for the puke bucket.
Low budget
SAW-311 December 2006
Not unwatchable, but definitely low budget. The movie had potential, but most of the performances were flat. The only person who remotely kept my interest was Eddie Griffin, playing jingle. It put my kids to sleep in the first hour. I usually like John Goodman, but his acting was almost forced. AS was most of the person's acting in this show. It reminded me of someone simply reading a teleprompter. Chris Kattan was OK, but even he seemed to be holding back from being funny. Harvey Fierstein did play a good Heatmiser and he definitely had the better looking groupees vs those with his brother, Coldmiser! I finished watching it, but won't go out of my way to see it again next year. Believe me, its not a modern classic.
If you loved the Rankin/Bass classic, you'll hate this....
cincytoby12 December 2006
I was absolutely disappointed with this remake. The only reason it didn't get a '1' was that I couldn't bring myself to call it completely 'awful.' There were a couple of relatively decent scenes (Heat Miser -- Snow Miser, and Snow in South Town.) Overall, it was way too long. Santa was too bland, Mrs. Claus too whiny. Mother Nature reminded me of a bad Bride of Frankenstein. There seemed to be hundreds of extraneous characters without any real point (look at the cast list.) It was crude and rude without reason. Why must the animal control officer slam beer on the job and burp in a child's face, then show tattooed sayings on his fat belly about being lazy?? Heat Miser couldn't sing, and ALL the other songs are missing -- no "I Believe in Santa Claus", no "I'll Have a Blue Christmas Without You", no "I Could Be Santa Claus." I kept waiting for songs that never came. The last 15 minutes or so are somewhat redeeming, but good luck getting to that point. I toughed it out, but it was a sadly wasted two hours. Since it was televised so late, I recorded it for my kids, but I'm not letting them watch it. Only the classic for them. I can see one good thing about watching it on DVD -- it would be over that much faster without the commercials!
Everything that is wrong with modern holiday TV movies
Death_to_Pan_and_Scan11 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I just got done watching this and boy was it awful.
Another person commented that because they were an extra, they know what a great movie it is. You can be an extra in a film and be somewhat unaware of what a hideous misfire it is. Furthermore, having a bit part in a film often colors your thoughts on the film because few people want to announce to the world that they were in a film that was a complete piece of garbage.
This film exemplifies the things that make these made-for-TV holiday instant classic wannabes the Mr.Hankey-fests that they are. The plot and dialogue were rubbish. The 'updating' of the concept fails where so many others fail equally, by trying to make something sooo modern and sooo faux-clever or jaded that they miss the mark by miles and fail to realize what made those Christmas classics into holiday staples in the first place. It's not just because they're old and people remember them nostalgically, it's because they connect with the audience and actually resonate where the modern TV movie wannabes don't. Ah yes, Santa Inc is corporate and has silly contractual obligations that would put Kattan's elf with delusions of grandeur into position as a potential substitute Extreme Santa when said CEO considers taking the year off. You want to satirize litigious happy America and its corporate culture? Fine, but do so in an entertaining and well-scripted way, don't fall back on the same tired modern cliché jokes that have failed so many other recent productions. There are some talented cast members and a director with some proved past hits, but everything misses the mark this time out. The pranksters over at South Park can make a more endearing family-friendly holiday special than this.
If you are a fan of the classic Rankin Bass 'Animagic' stop-motion animated special of the same name, you will most likely want to avoid this like a bad fruitcake given you by a distant relative. It will only weigh heavy in your stomach afterwards without providing you any real delight or enjoyment. There isn't laughter or a heart-warming smile to be found from watching this, just stomach-churning groans and indigestion. The list of Christmas films in the past decade that might go on to become beloved classics is short indeed. This TV movie has earned itself a place on the other list...to receive a lump of coal on Christmas morning.
Another person commented that because they were an extra, they know what a great movie it is. You can be an extra in a film and be somewhat unaware of what a hideous misfire it is. Furthermore, having a bit part in a film often colors your thoughts on the film because few people want to announce to the world that they were in a film that was a complete piece of garbage.
This film exemplifies the things that make these made-for-TV holiday instant classic wannabes the Mr.Hankey-fests that they are. The plot and dialogue were rubbish. The 'updating' of the concept fails where so many others fail equally, by trying to make something sooo modern and sooo faux-clever or jaded that they miss the mark by miles and fail to realize what made those Christmas classics into holiday staples in the first place. It's not just because they're old and people remember them nostalgically, it's because they connect with the audience and actually resonate where the modern TV movie wannabes don't. Ah yes, Santa Inc is corporate and has silly contractual obligations that would put Kattan's elf with delusions of grandeur into position as a potential substitute Extreme Santa when said CEO considers taking the year off. You want to satirize litigious happy America and its corporate culture? Fine, but do so in an entertaining and well-scripted way, don't fall back on the same tired modern cliché jokes that have failed so many other recent productions. There are some talented cast members and a director with some proved past hits, but everything misses the mark this time out. The pranksters over at South Park can make a more endearing family-friendly holiday special than this.
If you are a fan of the classic Rankin Bass 'Animagic' stop-motion animated special of the same name, you will most likely want to avoid this like a bad fruitcake given you by a distant relative. It will only weigh heavy in your stomach afterwards without providing you any real delight or enjoyment. There isn't laughter or a heart-warming smile to be found from watching this, just stomach-churning groans and indigestion. The list of Christmas films in the past decade that might go on to become beloved classics is short indeed. This TV movie has earned itself a place on the other list...to receive a lump of coal on Christmas morning.
Why A Remake?
TruthIsOutThere11 December 2006
In 1974 Rankin & Bass created a television special called "The Year Without A Santa Claus" that is considered a classic along with their "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" special.
In 2006 NBC decided to remake the classic as a live action movie of the week with John Goodman as Santa Claus. My question to NBC is: "Why did you do this?" The movie did not need to be remade and it does not work as a two hour movie. The story seems just seems like a writer took the story and had to expand it somehow by throwing in some filler to make up the time. NBC has ruined a classic, I hate to think what they will try next year.
In 2006 NBC decided to remake the classic as a live action movie of the week with John Goodman as Santa Claus. My question to NBC is: "Why did you do this?" The movie did not need to be remade and it does not work as a two hour movie. The story seems just seems like a writer took the story and had to expand it somehow by throwing in some filler to make up the time. NBC has ruined a classic, I hate to think what they will try next year.
Give it a chance people....I enjoyed it
Zingbot_900012 December 2006
I see someone complaining about the Grinch movie too. I have watched probably 20 times with my daughter people just don't like remakes anymore. That is it. I thought the movie did a good job of capturing the story for the most part. What people gotta realize is the Grinch cartoon was only a half hour and the Year Without a Santa Claus cartoon was less than an hour. I do have a couple complaints however about this movie. At first I thought John Goodman would make a nice Santa Claus. Seriously what famous actor on the surface would be better? Mickey Rooney might of been interesting. But John Goodman has done a lot of kids movies in recent years. Seems like every Disney movie nowadays has his voice in it. But my problem with Goodman's Santa was they just made Santa too grumpy. Santa has to be likable. And this Santa was not likable til the end of the movie. They are going to make movies a little different nowadays than before. I liked Eddie Griffin as Jangle. And Ethan Slurpee was good too. Sure he was not like the original Jangle but he was unique and provided some humor. I also felt that this movie although live action did a good job of capturing a cartoony feel. I enjoyed it. I think those that disliked this so much should watch this again later when they don't have set expectations....I think you will like it more than you did the first time.
Something you don't see every day...
nonconformist11 December 2006
Have you ever watched a movie for sixty seconds and realized it was be horrible and had no chance of getting better? This is that movie. I will admit it. I think most movies stink. But even most of these stinkers have good production values, reasonably good acting, but most fail on the fact that they have no story or have one you've seen a million times. This one has a bad story and bad acting and bad.... everything! It's so bad you even notice the bad wardrobe and make-up. Half the characters are washed up has-beens and the other half are from high school drama clubs. I can't believe anyone would attach his or her name to this thing. One more thing, kids won't like it either.
It has to be seen to be believed.
It has to be seen to be believed.
Don't believe the GRIPE!
SuperVillainTX6 December 2020
Sure, it's low-budget. I mean even the credits look like I did them in my sleep. Unfortunately, people's taste these days is based solely on high production. I've seen plenty of high dollar special effects films that I can't sit through more than 10 minutes because the writing and story and relatability to the characters is Non existent, yet they get great reviews because the CGI was great. Whatever...*eye roll*
So, yes, this is a live action version of the classic. How can it NOT be different than the original when you're going from stop motion to live actors. for those expecting it to be the same as the famous stop motion are setting themselves up to be disappointed. Any good remake should tweak the story to make it interesting to watch again and the story with the Mayor and his family is a good addition.
This film has a great cast and we even get to see Dylan Minnette in close to his debut year. and there's actually some pretty funny scenes that I was surprised by.
I liked it
J2M1L312 December 2006
I love the original classic. I thought this was done very well. Sure, John Goodman wasn't phenomenal, but Harvey Firestein and Michael McKean did the Miser brothers very well. Eddie Griffin was pretty funny too. I thought it did it's best to try to stick to the original, and tried to do make it better.
I only wished there where more of the Miser brothers and Mother Nature. I gave this movie 6/10, because it didn't out-beat the classic, but in my own opinion it came close. It doesn't deserve to be worth any Emmy's or mentioned, but maybe once a year, or what not. Plus, it's got a DVD out...so that means some people must like it.
I only wished there where more of the Miser brothers and Mother Nature. I gave this movie 6/10, because it didn't out-beat the classic, but in my own opinion it came close. It doesn't deserve to be worth any Emmy's or mentioned, but maybe once a year, or what not. Plus, it's got a DVD out...so that means some people must like it.
Awful, awful, awful
CrowTRobert12 December 2006
Another childhood memory raped and murdered...
Why why why must the Industry rely on reinventing classics instead of creating worthy original material? This live-action retelling of the classic 70s Rankin-Bass stop-motion holiday hit The Year Without a Santa Claus (itself based upon a book by Phyllis McGinley) makes the same mistakes as the live-action "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" movie starring Jim Carrey did in 2000. You just *can't* take a classic and drag it out to feature length! The updated "Year Without a Santa Claus" did not need to be two hours long, nor did it need to be updated *at all*. Even the acting talents of John Goodman, Delta Burke and Carol Kane couldn't save this train wreck of an idea.
Fans of the original--you'll be disappointed. It drags, it changes the story, it has *Chris Kattan* and too many topical references that will make it look dated and quite stupid in years to come, whereas the original has remained timeless.
Stick with the original.
Why why why must the Industry rely on reinventing classics instead of creating worthy original material? This live-action retelling of the classic 70s Rankin-Bass stop-motion holiday hit The Year Without a Santa Claus (itself based upon a book by Phyllis McGinley) makes the same mistakes as the live-action "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" movie starring Jim Carrey did in 2000. You just *can't* take a classic and drag it out to feature length! The updated "Year Without a Santa Claus" did not need to be two hours long, nor did it need to be updated *at all*. Even the acting talents of John Goodman, Delta Burke and Carol Kane couldn't save this train wreck of an idea.
Fans of the original--you'll be disappointed. It drags, it changes the story, it has *Chris Kattan* and too many topical references that will make it look dated and quite stupid in years to come, whereas the original has remained timeless.
Stick with the original.
Shame on the people involved
lejoywood12 December 2006
John Goodman as Santa Claus? Pleeease. He gives Santa's from any movie, TV special or mall a bad name. Well for the exception of the movie "Bad Santa". He was even worse than ole Billy Bob's Santa. He was unkempt and resembled a alcoholic version of his character. I think the director and writer were going for the opposite of the animated version, because that is what they got. Too bad John Goodman never saw the original. His comment in an interview was to make him a "grumpy old bastard". How in the spirit of Christmas is that comment. They didn't let Delta Burke use her own southern accent, and yet listen to Goodman, and he is anything unlike has ever been heard from a Santa. The original had Mrs. Claus, Jingle & Jangle more prominent. They should have left it that way and left Goodman's part minimal, very minimal, or just chose someone else to do it. He should stick with animated voices like "Frosty". The character of "Sparky" (Chris Kattan) should have been left out. He was annoying. He & Goodman should have just stayed in their trailers or where ever bad actors go. Eddie Griffin & Ethan Suplee did pretty good for the scripts they had. It is hard to make bad material good, but they did good. Delta's part was way too small but she did do pretty good as well. The producers, director and writers should be a shamed of themselves for putting such crap out their. It is worse than anything I have ever seen.
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